ST. PAUL, Minn (KFGO/MNN) – A new electronic application system for state prison visitors is expected to significantly reduce wait times. Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell says family and loved ones used to send paper visitor applications through the mail.
“We had periods of time where it was pushing four months, five months even. We believe that just based experience of staff who have been processing these applications, that the electronic applications will really improve their ability to efficiently process them.” Schnell said.
Schnell says some visitor applications were reviewed by Department of Corrections staff and then sent back through the mail to be updated. The new system will save thousands of dollars in postage costs.
“We process thousands of applications, thousands of applications. And just the time of managing all that paper and mailing, all of that costs. Those are huge efficiently factors and cost saving factors.” Schnell said.
Schnell says having all the information digitally allows prison staff to compare data with other state systems. There’s more information about the electronic visiting application system on the Department of Corrections website.
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